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April 4, 2019
What To Wear To Your Engagement Session
As couples book their wedding date and we start preparing for their engagement session one of the most common questions I get is what should I wear? It can seem like a big decision when these photos show up on everything from save-the-dates to framed on the walls of your home. Today’s blog is all about what you should wear to your engagement session! If you’re looking for some advice read on for all my most important advice.
Get Fancy
Break out the heels and the tie! It’s not every day that you get your photo taken, so enjoy the opportunity to go shopping and dress up a little. Elegant heels and a new dress can make your photos even more glamorous. Long dresses especially are flattering and flow nicely in photos! And grooms, this is for you too! Don’t be afraid to put on a nice suit and bow tie. If you two aren’t interested in buying something just for your shoot consider borrowing something. Rent the Runway’s website lets you pick designer brands to rent out and has a ton of great options for your engagement session. There’s even a store location in Georgetown if you prefer to browse in person.
Feel Like Yourselves
More than anything you should be comfortable. As important as it is to dress up you also want to make sure that whatever you choose to wear is something that doesn’t cause you any worry. Dress for your body type. Choose skirt lengths that are long enough that you won’t be worrying about them during your session. Be careful of necklines and how low they may appear in photographs. Also make sure that you’ll be comfortable with the weather at your session. If it’s going to be chilly consider bringing some extra layers. If it’s hot or humid and your hair frizzes easily considering putting it in an updo. If we’re walking through fields pack some flats so you can maneuver easily between photos. Your comfort will make the session more enjoyable overall!
Coordination + Color Palette
Coordination does not mean you have to be identical! Skip the matching outfits and instead coordinate colors that work well together. Feel free to get creative, but make sure only one of you embraces a bold pattern and avoid certain neon colors (bright oranges and yellows) that will become distractions in the photos. Cool hues, neutrals, jewel tones and pastels work well with pops of bright colors in your accessories. Make sure you also coordinate how fancy you’re getting. Brides, if you’re wearing a gown your partner should be in a suit, not shorts and flip flops. Dress on the same level. I recommend you bring one set of outfits that’s fancier and something slightly more casual to get two different looks incorporated into your session.
Details
Be creative, but not cheesy! I’d recommend skipping signs you’ve seen done on Pinterest thousands of time and come up with some unique to you two if you want to incorporate some props. Need some extra help? Ask your planner for their opinion! And not all details have to be wild and crazy. You could pick up a lush bouquet from your florist, a calligrapher write out your wedding date on a unique momento or incorporate your favorite things to do together. Maybe we’ll start off at your favorite coffee shop or ice cream parlor. We could end the session by popping some champagne. You could bring along your bikes for some cute pictures or pack a classy picnic to enjoy. Think out of the box and embrace what you love to do!
Get Your Makeup Done
Getting your makeup done makes such a difference! Coordinate with your makeup artist to do your trial before your session so you’re looking your best. Professional makeup artists know how to apply makeup in a way that shows up well in photographs and they’re always willing to help you apply fake eyelashes which go a long way in photos! As a bonus you’ll also get to see how your makeup trial turns out in pictures before your wedding day and make sure that you love it.
Nails
And don’t forget to paint your nails! Reds, pinks and neutrals photograph beautiful and complement your gorgeous engagement ring. Your ring and nails will be on display a lot during your session so you want to make sure they’re looking their best!
Hopefully these tips have helped you prepare what to wear to your engagement session so you arrive feeling confident and excited about the photos that will be a reminder of this special time. These For Brides blogs are meant to make things easier.One of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer, is helping couples bring their big day to life so I love to share advice on all different subjects! If you need any some more advice just send me a message! I’m happy to help in any way I can.
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I'm a Virginia wedding photographer serving the DMV and worldwide. I strive to balance the composed with the candid and capture vibrant, timeless images for my couples.
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